10 Safest Countries in Africa to Visit According to The Global Peace Index

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What are the safest countries in Africa to travel to? Let’s find out!

Africa is the second-largest continent in the globe and has loads to offer travelers. It has numerous National Parks, natural diversity, unique local cultures, and abundant scenery.

The very idea of visiting Africa conjures up images of travel adventure and vibrant culture for some and others – danger.

This needn’t be the case, though. Africa is home to some of the most peaceful people and safe havens of raw beauty.

Bask under the African sun and wallow in all that flourishes because of it. Keep reading to find the safest places to visit in Africa.

Before we start our list of the safest countries in Africa, remember that even when traveling to a safe place, anything can happen. So here is a precious piece of advice:

Safest African countries to visit

The Global Peace Index (GPI) uses three determining factors to score countries: ongoing domestic and international conflict, social safety and security, and militarization. The lower the rating, the safer the country.

If you dig deeper into the GPI figures you will be surprised how many countries we think are safe, but actually are quite low on the thanking. The safest country in Africa has a better GPI than some European Nations, like France or Italy.

I bet by now you are curious to discover what are the safest and most stable countries in Africa. So more than just listing them along with their safety ranks, we’ll give you a quick view of why they are the least dangerous countries in Africa, why you should visit them, and the main tourist attractions in each of them. 

Here are the safest African countries to visit according to the GPI:

10 Safest Countries in Africa and why you should visit them

 1 – Mauritius: the safest country in Africa

White sandy beaches and clear blue waters are pure bliss and make for picture-perfect Mauritius photos. According to the GPI, the island nation of Mauritius has been ranked the safest country in Africa.

It has a GPI score of 1.570 and an overall ranking of 28. This means the country is the 28th safest place in the world, as a comparison the USA is 129th on the list.

Located in East Africa, it is one of the safest countries to travel to because it’s one of Africa’s wealthiest and most politically stable. The overall crime rate is meager, and it is known for being a very peaceful place.

The few crimes that do occur tend to be non-violent, minor theft, and opportunistic crimes. You’ll mostly need to worry about yourself–emptying your wallet over the beautiful saris and thriving fruit and veg available.

When you visit Mauritius, be sure to explore Port-Louis. Mauritius’ capital, located in the Indian Ocean, also happens to be one of the safest cities in Africa. Mauritius has an incredible cultural heritage, a wide variety of adventure activities, and sublime landscapes.

2 – Ghana: most peaceful country in Africa

Ghana is a place that can be enjoyed all year round due to its tropical climate and fascinating fauna. It has a rich cultural history that extends back to the 18th century.

With a GPI score of 1.759, Ghana is the 40th safest country to visit in the world. Given its gold wealth, it is one of the most stable African countries with significant growth potential and a low crime rate compared to other African nations.

Especially advised for travelers who have never traveled to Africa; this is a very hospitable nation. People here are friendly, welcoming, and eager to assist.

Levels of crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching are on the increase, so take sensible precautions. Avoid carrying large sums of money or valuables as you should when traveling worldwide and visiting popular destinations.

3 – The Gambia: the 45th safest country in the world

The Gambia is renowned for its friendly people, beautiful beaches, and abundant wildlife. It’s a unique chance to see rare birds and wild animals in their natural habitats–provided by affordable safari tours.

The Gambia has a GPI score of 1.792. It is the 45th safest country in the world.

This beautiful country is one of West Africa’s most peaceful and safe locations for travel. There aren’t many violent crimes in The Gambia. Bumsters and pickpockets pose the most significant threats.

4 – Botswana: safest African safari destination

This is one of Africa’s undiscovered gems. It’s a landlocked country neighboring South Africa and renowned for its breathtaking scenery and thriving wildlife. 

Botswana has a GPI score of 1.801, placing this particular country as the 48th safest country in the world to visit and the 4th safest African country.

This is one of the safest places in Africa for travelers. Botswana has one of the lowest crime levels on the continent. Famous cities like Francistown, Gaborone (one of the safest African cities), and Maun hardly ever see severe crimes of any kind.

Travelers to this country should be aware of the possibility of encountering minor crimes, such as petty theft. You should also avoid going out at night alone or going to neighborhoods with higher poverty rates.

5 – Sierra Leone: a safe coastal nation in Africa

Another sanctuary for travelers who prioritize safety is this small seaside nation.

With a GPI score of 1.803, this country is the 5th safest country to visit in Africa. However, this country does not come without crime issues, so it is essential always to be mindful of safety and exercise common sense when out and about.

The urban parts of Sierra Leone, where most crime occurs, are known for their nightlife and festivities, especially around holidays like Christmas and Easter. The rest of the country is comparatively crime-free.

6 – Zambia: a country in Africa with a low crime rate

A trip to Zambia in South-Central Africa is known for being “wild”, with little trace of modern influence. The number of game farms (safaris) in Zambia is relatively tiny.

Zambia has a GPI score of 1.841, making it the 6th safest country to visit in Africa. It is one of the few secure nations in Africa with crime rates on par with Western nations.

Travelers should take routine safety precautions. Despite Zambia being a safe country, pickpockets occur frequently; therefore, you should always exercise caution.

7 – Equatorial Guinea: the 59th safest country in the world

It is known for the interiors of heavily forested areas, sandy beaches, and gorgeous blue waters. This is a must-see place if you’re looking for peaceful countries to visit in Africa. The mainland and the islands are separated into two sections.

Equatorial Guinea has a GPI score of 1.863, putting it 7th on the list of safest countries to travel to in Africa and 59th in the world.

This country is, for the most part, a safe country to visit. Numerous military and police checkpoints are heavily used to curb crime in cities. Significant occurrences involving tourists or foreigners have been reported in minimal numbers.

The most you need to worry about is when in the city, for things such as muggings and petty theft.

8 – Malawi: a safe country in Africa with an amazing lake

This stunning country is a must-see when looking for safe places to visit in Africa—dotted with lakes, scenery, incredible wildlife, and rich culture.

A GPI score of 1.895 put Malawi 8th on the list. One of the safe African countries to visit for travelers, not only known for its external beauty but its friendly, smiling inhabitants too.

Overall, Malawi has very little risk of crime. Petty theft and purse snatching provide the most significant hazards.

9 – Namibia: safe and with incredible nature

The vast plains of the country make it an excellent travel destination. The Atlantic Ocean surrounds the region to the west and the oldest desert in the world to the east.

Namibia’s GPI score of 1.908 makes it the 9th safest country to visit in Africa. Namibia is generally fairly beautiful and secure. Since fewer people live there than in urban areas, crime is effectively prevented in the country.

The majority of the country is safe; however, tourists are more likely to become victims of violent or minor crimes in populated towns and cities like Windhoek.

10 – Senegal: the 10th safest country in Africa to travel to

Senegal is the pearl of West Africa and is distinguished by various natural landscapes, a distinct colonial legacy, and a dynamic culture.

Scoring a GPI rating of 1.916, this is the 10th country on the list. Still fairing better than the United States regarding country-wide safety. And it’s better than some of the safest countries in South America (check the list here)

Senegal does experience some petty crime and few instances of violent crime in major cities. But you shouldn’t let it stop you from visiting this beautiful country and its tourist destinations.

Final thoughts on the safest countries in Africa to visit

So there you have it, the 10 safest and most peaceful countries in Africa as rated and scored on the Global Peace Index. And for sure they are incredible countries to visit, some with popular tourist destinations.

But it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t visit other African nations that didn’t make this list. The whole continent is packed with popular tourism destinations, and while they might not be as safe as the 10 listed above, they are still worth visiting. 

Countries like Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt in North Africa, or Tanzania, Seychelles, Madagascar, and South Africa are renowned tourism destinations.

As long as you follow the travel advisory for these countries, be mindful of your surroundings, plan your trip wisely, and follow normal precautions, you will probably be safe and have tons of fun.

My recommendation before traveling to any country in Africa is to always research the political stability of the nation. If it has a stable government at the moment, and if any armed conflict is happening.

If you are really serious about safety, you can even check the criminality rate of the country and if there is any terrorist activity going on. 

As you search for things to do in a place, you can also search for safety information. However, always read the info and news with a pinch of salt. People tend to overreact, and the media is not 100% accurate all time. Keep in mind that most of the countries are populated with friendly and hospitable people. 

Safety and fun should be your biggest concern when traveling, it doesn’t matter the destination. 

Remember that no matter where you’re heading–keep your wits about you and never walk around with unnecessary belongings out on the show.

I hope this little guide has helped you pinpoint your dream African location–now, onto the travel planning (click here to see all the websites, companies, and services we use on our travels)!

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